No stir plate. I just have been shaking it every time I pass it in the house.

Yep don't mess with it like the poster above recommended (like putting your nappy hands all over the opening) -- the sediment at the bottom is your indicator that your yeast is happy and reproducing without going into full fermentation mode -- which is why you don't get bubbles/krausen/yeast currents.

Yep don't mess with it like the poster above recommended (like putting your nappy hands all over the opening) -- the sediment at the bottom is your indicator that your yeast is happy and reproducing without going into full fermentation mode.

Guess I should have been more specific...I assume u have foil or something similar covering the top...Covering the foil with your "nappy" hands would merely reassure you that you have active yeast

How long ago did you make the starter?? Without a stirplate, it could take a few days to complete (depending on what you do to/with it). With a stirplate, it would be finished within 24 hours (ale yeast strains at least).